Consultation with residents is key to change process

The views of residents and their families will be central in the consideration of the future role of statutory residential homes for older people.

That was the message from the Health Minister, Edwin Poots as he commented on the publication of the Health and Social Care Board’s Project Initiation Document on Improving Services for Older People.

Mr Poots said: “I asked the HSC Board to lead on a regional project for the coordination, consultation, engagement and implementation of change in services for older people. The publication of the Project Initiation Document marks the first stage in this project.

“It is unacceptable that any older person should feel distressed because of proposals for change. I have been very clear that their needs, wishes and concerns should be at the core of this process going forward. I am assured that this process will ensure just that and the HSC Board will now begin a process of engagement with residents, families and staff. This will be followed by two periods of public consultation.

“The central aim of this process is to improve the quality of care for older people and deliver the best possible outcomes. I want to again send out a clear message to older people that there will be genuine consultation and their views will be heard. No one’s care will be put in jeopardy. I strongly encourage people to participate in the forthcoming consultations, the first of which will begin later this year.”